My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

ANDREW BURNETT, of Baldwin, is one of the honored pioneers of Randolph County, who since an early day has been familiar with the history of this community, has watched its growth and upbuilding and has aided in the work of progress and development. He is recognized as one of the valued citizens of the community, and it is with pleasure that we present this record of his life to our readers. He is a native of the Emerald Isle, and a son of Andrew and Ann (Wilson) Burnett, both of whom were born in County Tyrone, Ireland, where they grew to mature years and were married. When our subject was a child of only two years, they crossed the Atlantic with their family to America, and located in the Abbeyville District of South Carolina, where they spent sixteen years. On the expiration of that period they came to Randolph County, in the autumn of 1840. They had a family of seven sons who grew to manhood, namely: James, William, Alexander, John, Francis, Andrew and Wilson.

Andrew Burnett passed most of his boyhood in South Carolina, and at the age of nineteen he emigrated westward, taking up his residence in Randolph County, Ill., where he embarked in farming on his own account. He managed the affairs of his father’s family, and in his control of the same displayed more than average ability. In 1844, he entered a tract of wild land from the Government, and with characteristic energy began its development, transforming the raw tract into richly cultivated fields. As his financial resources increased, he added to it from time to time, until he now owns nearly six hundred acres of valuable land, which yields to him a handsome income, and he is now numbered among Randolph County’s substantial agriculturists. June 2, 1853, Mr. Burnett was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda Preston, daughter of Daniel Preston. They have become the parents of a family of six children, namely: Daniel F.; W. J., now a resident of Ottumwa, Iowa; Andrew W.; Robert A.; James P., now a resident of St. Louis; and C. C., who completes the family. The Burnetts are widely and favorably known in this locality, where they have so long resided, and in social circles holds an enviable position.

In his political views Mr. Burnett is a Democrat, but has never had time or inclination for public office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests. He has been an industrious and hard-working man, and his labors have been rewarded by a comfortable competence. He now has a beautiful home and a valuable farm, and in his declining years is surrounded, not only with the necessaries, but with many of the luxuries of life. He has reared a family of children who are a credit to him, and his career has been one which has gained him high regard.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.